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Alert

Explosive device thown at television station building

(C-Libre/IFEX) - On 25 November 2009, an explosive device was thrown at the Torre Libertad building, from which Canal 10 television station and the "Abriendo Brecha" news programme broadcast.

Canal 10 journalist Francisco Mejía told C-Libre that the explosive device was thrown at the façade of the building early in the morning by two unidentified individuals on a motorcycle. The detonation of the explosive caused damages to the building's entryway and windows.

"Fortunately, no staff were injured or equipment were damaged, although a security guard did experience hearing problems afterwards," Mejía said. He also noted that Canal 10 staff had been receiving threats on their mobile phones in the days leading up to the attack.

Mejía went on to say that it would appear that some people are not happy with station's editorial stance on politics and that, since they are unable to "fight with ideas, they are fighting with explosives." He added that this is the third attack the station has suffered. The station's building has previously been shot at and graffiti has been painted on its façade.

In a separate incident, on 25 November an explosive was also thrown at the Supreme Court building in the capital.